The GTO was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer Russell Gee, an
engine specialist; Bill Collins, a chassis engineer;
and Pontiac chief engineer John De Lorean. In early 1963, General
Motors management issued an edict banning
divisions from involvement in auto racing. At the time, Pontiac's
advertising and marketing approach was heavily
based on performance, and racing was an important component of
that strategy. With GM's ban on factory-sponsored
racing, Pontiac's young, visionary management turned its attention
to emphasizing street performance. |